The best SUVs for $29,000

CaptionRules of the road test

Cars.com photo

Cars.com testers talked to J.D. Power & Associates to see which SUVs consumers cross-shopped with the Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai Santa Fe. They came back with this list: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Kia Sorento, GMC Terrain and Dodge Journey. Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue...

Cars.com testers talked to J.D. Power & Associates to see which SUVs consumers cross-shopped with the Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai Santa Fe. They came back with this list: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Kia Sorento, GMC Terrain and Dodge Journey. Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue... (Cars.com photo)

Clearly, the RAV4 wasn't helped by the fact that it's one of the oldest designs in the competition. Even though it was the least expensive of the nine, for only an additional $300, Hyundai Tucson buyers get a navigation system, USB connection and Bluetooth connectivity. "It's just kind of...

Clearly, the RAV4 wasn't helped by the fact that it's one of the oldest designs in the competition. Even though it was the least expensive of the nine, for only an additional $300, Hyundai Tucson buyers get a navigation system, USB connection and Bluetooth connectivity. "It's just kind of... (Cars.com photo)

The Escape has been a best-seller for Ford, but it's possibly the Ford vehicle most in need of a redesign. It was clearly the most traditional, true SUV in our test, and that played both to its advantage and to its detriment. "The Escape is the automotive equivalent of bringing a knife to a...

The Escape has been a best-seller for Ford, but it's possibly the Ford vehicle most in need of a redesign. It was clearly the most traditional, true SUV in our test, and that played both to its advantage and to its detriment. "The Escape is the automotive equivalent of bringing a knife to a... (Cars.com photo)

"Average is the word for the Rogue," Thomas wrote. Virtually all of the experts shared his view. While there were some nods for the Rogue's looks, its small size and continuously variable automatic transmission drew barbs.

"Average is the word for the Rogue," Thomas wrote. Virtually all of the experts shared his view. While there were some nods for the Rogue's looks, its small size and continuously variable automatic transmission drew barbs. (Cars.com photo)

Like Toyota's RAV4, the CR-V is a pioneer in this category, but it is also one of the older designs. What lifts it above the RAV4 is a combination of features and a solid driving experience. "There's a reason why this is one of the best-selling vehicles in the country," Thomas noted. What keeps...

Like Toyota's RAV4, the CR-V is a pioneer in this category, but it is also one of the older designs. What lifts it above the RAV4 is a combination of features and a solid driving experience. "There's a reason why this is one of the best-selling vehicles in the country," Thomas noted. What keeps... (Cars.com photo)

Cars.com tested nine of the most popular sport-utility vehicles for the best combination of ride, room, family-friendly features and handling. Video: $29,000 SUV Shootout Get the full story: The $29,000 SUV Shootout